Using Elisa and nested PCR for detection of the toxoplasmosis in milk and the influence of infection and some factors on milk composition in the Iraqi local and Shami goats

Abstract

This study concluded detection of Toxoplasma gondii in milk, immunologically by using Elisa and nested PCR)nPCR (based on B1 gene, also to investigate the effect of toxoplasmosis, parity, breed and flock on some milk composition in the Iraqi local and Shami goats in the middle of Iraq. A total of 80 milk samples of the lactating goats were collected. Results of this study showed the prevalence of Toxoplasmosis was 21.25% and 28.75% by Elisa and nPCR respectively without significant differences. The sensitivity of Elisa was a low (30.43%) whereas the specificity was a high (82.45%). The degree of agreement estimated by Kappa coefficient revealed a slight agreement (0.14) between two methods. The results indicated that goats infected with toxoplasmosis have significantly (P<0.05) higher in protein and lactose percentage whereas the effect was not significant for each of fat, SNF and pH. On the other hand, the effect of parity was significant (P<0.05) on fat, protein, lactose, solid nonfat and non-effect on PH. As well as effect of breed and flock was significant (P<0.05) on protein, lactose and solid nonfat without significant effect on fat and PH.